Special counsel Jack Smith has revived the election interference case against former President Donald Trump, with a more methodical approach this time around. Prosecutors are taking cautious steps, limiting significant developments before Election Day, according to sources familiar with the case.
Attorney General Merrick Garland and other top Justice Department officials were briefed on the special counsel office's decision to reframe the allegations against Trump. Notably, the special counsel has opted not to request a rapid mini-trial, which could have involved key witnesses like former Vice President Mike Pence or Trump's ex-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.
The special counsel's team is considering evidentiary hearings to demonstrate that certain post-election actions by Trump were not within his official presidential duties. This is crucial following a recent Supreme Court ruling that grants presidents immunity for official actions during their term.
Previously, Smith's team pushed for a swift trial, citing the alleged attempt to disenfranchise millions of voters. However, the Supreme Court's decision forced prosecutors to reevaluate their evidence and meticulously revise the allegations over an eight-week period.
The updated indictment excludes interactions between Trump and his administration post-election, providing a new legal framework for the case. Federal district court Judge Tanya Chutkan will ultimately determine the case's timeline.
A joint status report from the special counsel's office and Trump's legal team is due to be filed with Judge Chutkan on Friday. Both parties are expected to appear before her on September 5 to discuss the next steps in the case, marking the first hearing since the Supreme Court's ruling.
Trump has maintained his plea of not guilty to all charges, as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.
